Michael McDonald from "MadTV," Showtime & "Cougar Town" August 11, 2012

Michael McDonald is originally from Orange County, California. He is an alumnus of the famed Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles.

His first professional writing and acting jobs came from Concorde Pictures, Roger Corman's infamous low-budget movie studio. Starting as an extra, McDonald quickly landed dozens of film roles, eventually moving behind the camera to write and direct for the studio.

In the 1990’s, McDonald worked steadily in television, landing guest spots on SEINFELD, ELLEN, JUST SHOOT ME, and NEWS RADIO. Finally, in 1998, he obtained a starring role on MAD TV, where he enjoyed an unprecedented ten-year run. While there, McDonald created several popular characters - most notably man-child Stuart Larkin, Marvin Tikkvah Rusty Miller, and Mofaz, The Depressed Persian Tow Truck Man.

In 2007, McDonald left Mad TV to work both behind and in front of the camera on a variety of television shows. Credits include SCRUBS, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, PUSHING DAISIES, REAPER, KATH & KIM, HEAD CASE, HANNAH MONTANA, and KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST.

He is currently splitting his time as a writer/producer/director on ABC’s COUGAR TOWN and touring the country as a stand up comedian.

His first hour-long stand up comedy special, titled Michael McDonald: Model. Citizen. aired on Showtime in the fall of 2010.